Karnataka police have arrested two persons in Chikkaballapur in connection with an alleged terror conspiracy centred on conversations in a Telegram group, in a case that has drawn sharp political reactions in the state. The arrests came on 25 September 2026, with investigators probing discussions that allegedly involved plans for terror-related and disruptive activities.

The Arrests and What Investigators Found

Chikkaballapur City Police detained Shabbir, a resident of Bapujinagar in Chikkaballapur, and Salman, reportedly from North India, after allegedly uncovering conversations within a Telegram group discussing the execution of terror-related activities. According to preliminary reports, Shabbir had joined the group approximately four months ago. Investigators are examining his mobile phone and other digital evidence as part of the ongoing probe.

A case has been registered under Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police are working to identify other members of the group, trace their locations, and determine whether the online discussions translated into any concrete preparations on the ground.

Alleged Plans Under Investigation

According to investigators, the group allegedly discussed plans that may have included the targeting of specific individuals, as well as the kidnapping of wealthy persons to raise funds for terror-related activities. Reports also indicate that the group's alleged administrator had purportedly promised weapons training to members after a specified period, though police have not publicly confirmed these details as established facts.

Crucially, investigators have stated that no attack has been confirmed as having been carried out, and the alleged plans are not confirmed to have progressed beyond online discussions. The full motive, the identities of all persons allegedly involved, and the extent of any preparations are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.

BJP Demands Security for Three Named Leaders

The arrests triggered an immediate political response. R. Ashoka, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka, claimed that a group of four persons had allegedly drawn up a plan to target three BJP leaders: MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, former MP Pratap Simha, and MLC C.T. Ravi. All three are widely identified with the party's Hindutva line.

'In Chikkaballapur, a team of four terrorists had sketched a plan to kill MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, former BJP MP Pratap Simha and BJP MLC C.T. Ravi. The government should immediately provide security to these leaders,' Ashoka said in Bengaluru.

Ashoka also alleged that incidents of this nature had increased since the Congress government came to power in Karnataka — a charge that carries clear political weight ahead of ongoing legislative sessions. Police have not independently verified his claims about the alleged targets or the total number of individuals involved.

What Investigators Are Focusing On

The probe is currently focused on three tracks: mapping the Telegram group's membership and conversations; establishing connections between the accused and any wider network; and verifying the political claims made by the Opposition. Investigators are also working to establish whether the accused had access to any material resources beyond online communications.

As the investigation unfolds, the identities of other alleged group members and the full scope of the conspiracy — if any — are expected to be clarified in the days ahead.